Bornholm homeowners face liability for illegal construction

New homeowners on the island of Bornholm face potential financial and legal liabilities due to illegal construction and renovations performed by previous owners. An investigation has revealed a pattern where properties are purchased, rapidly renovated, and resold for significant profit, often without the necessary demolition or building permits.

Local authorities are currently reviewing at least 11 properties on the island. In one instance in Rønne, a new house was constructed on a plot after the original structure was demolished without notifying the municipality. In another case, a heritage-protected house was renovated in violation of local plans, leading to municipal orders to physically reverse the changes.

Under current law, the responsibility for complying with building regulations rests with the current owner of the property, regardless of who performed the unauthorized work. While new owners may have grounds to sue previous owners in civil court, the municipality’s requirements for legalization or demolition follow the building and its current deed holder.